Families First Coronavirus Response Act

On March 18, 2020, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the FFCRA) was signed into law. The FFCRA seeks to assist employees impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) and applies to employers with fewer than 500 employees, which likely includes your chambers and many of the members and businesses you serve.

Familiarity with the provisions of the FFCRA can further position chambers as a valued resource during these and rapidly changing times.

For COVID-19 related reasons, employees receive up to 80 hours of paid sick leave and expanded paid childcare leave when the employee's child's school is closed, or childcare providers are unavailable.

The FFCRA's paid leave provisions are effective on April 1, 2020, and apply to leave taken between April 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020.

Covered Employers:

The paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave provisions of the FFCRA apply to certain public employers and private employers with fewer than 500 employees.

Small businesses with fewer than 50 employees may qualify for exemption from the requirement to provide leave due to school closings or childcare unavailability

The U.S. Department of Labor website has further details on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, as well as fact sheets, Q&As, and employee rights posters related to COVID-19 and the American workplace. We encourage you to visit their website for the most current information and specific details.